June 10, 2024
Book editor Julia Morse loved stories. When she first read the manuscript of a young author name Benjamin Morse, she fell in love with the story, and then she fell in love with him. Unfortunately, her story ends--almost--when, at the age of 37, she dies from ovarian cancer. But instead of following the light at the end of the tunnel, Julia decides to spend one more summer watching over her husband and the quirky community on her beloved Fire Island. Rosen's (Nine Women, One Dress) latest is a beach read that explores grief, community, and moving on. Emily Lawrence narrates the dead but not gone Julia as she watches those she loves cope with her death, from sitting shiva to moving on and being happy. Lawrence ably captures the many humorous moments that lighten the story. She captures the many quirky characters on Fire Island, expanding on their personalities and making it easy to track who is who. Though this story starts with heartbreak, listeners are ultimately treated to a love story greater than anything Julia or Benjamin could have imagined. VERDICT Despite the heavy topic, Rosen's sensitive approach, memorable characters, and wonderful sense of place make this a winner.--Elyssa Everling
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